Solar reflectance index measurements for leed building designers and developers that are pursuing the heat island reduction credit for leed certification require documentation of the solar reflectance index sri for their project s roofing materials shade giving structures and paving materials.
Leed roof reflectivity.
If the device or structure is a roof it shall have an aged solar reflectance sr value of at least 0 28 as measured in accordance with ansi crrc s100.
All standard colors qualify for steep sloped applications while regal white and imperial white qualify for low sloped applications.
Buildings can earn a credit for reducing the heat island effect with a high reflectance roof but it depends on the type of roof.
Applicable roof area excludes roof area covered by mechanical equipment solar energy panels skylights and any other appurtenances however because leed v4 combines roof and non roof measures compliant hardscape area paved roads sidewalks courtyards and parking lots will be very important if your project pursues this credit.
Leed for new construction specifies an sri of 78 for cool roofs.
Cool roof coating products are available for most roof types according to the department of energy.
After three years it must still be able to achieve a reflectivity of 50.
A steep sloped roof must have an initial sri of 39 or a three year aged sri of 32.
For leed v4 in existing buildings low sloped roofs must have an initial sri of 82 or a three year aged sri of 64.